Welcome to the All Time Medical blog. Here you will find information on anything from wheelchair and mobility scooter news to information and product news on medical equipment. You can also visit our site at http://www.alltimemedical.com where, through the comfort of your home or office, you can research and purchase medical supplies such as wheelchairs, electric scooters, lift chairs and other home medical products that is suitable for you or your loved ones.

Thursday, December 6, 2007

Power wheelchairs require far less physical exertion to operate than manual wheelchairs. Since power wheelchairs have far more machinery than manual wheelchairs, they tend to be much heavier and therefore you may need an adapted van or accessible public transportation for your powered wheelchair. That should be taken into consideration ahead of time.

Still, power wheelchairs have enormous advantages, not the least of which is the ability of the user to conserve energy that would otherwise be exerted for propulsion. Power wheelchairs can handle practically any terrain, and they can easily travel uphill--unlike their manual counterparts. For those with limited physical strength, partial paralysis, joint pain or those who tire easily, a power wheelchair can make the difference between a life of total dependence and personal freedom.

Choosing a Power Wheelchair

When choosing which type of power wheelchair is right for you or your family member, there are a few things you should keep in mind. Check out the width for clearance in your home, whether it is designed for indoor use, outdoor use or both, and how much weight the chair will hold. It's important to find a power wheelchair to fit the user and the user's needs.

At All Time Medical, we have several different power wheelchairs available. All of our brands are well known and reputable. Whether you want a traditional-style power wheelchair or one with a power base and mounted seat, we can accommodate your needs.

Knee walkers are alternatives to crutches and wheelchairs. They allow patients to keep weight off their feet and lower legs but still remain active and independent. Knee walkers work by allowing the patient to kneel on a unit with four caster wheels and push around using the free leg.

Knee walkers are great for people who need to stay off their feet, but don't have the upper body strength to use crutches. People who only have trouble with one foot can use knee walkers instead of wheelchairs. Knee walkers are much easier to operate than wheelchairs, fit in more areas than wheelchairs, are easier to transport than wheelchairs and keep you in a standing position so you can accomplish everyday activities without much adjustment.

Getting the Right Knee Walker for You

To use a knee walker properly, you have to first buy the right size and adjust it to fit. Some knee walkers come in different heights or have adjustable parts that can be lengthened or shortened to fit appropriately. You also have to make sure you get a knee walker that can accommodate your weight because much of your body weight is rested on the knee walker when idle and in motion.

At All Time Medical, we have knee walkers available at great prices. Knee walkers are appropriate for most people who have injuries below the knee, but you should consult a doctor or therapist to make sure they are right for you. Knee walkers are not usually recommended for people with knee injuries or arthritis in the knee.

Lightweight wheelchairs offer all of the same benefits of standard wheelchairs and then some. Lightweight wheelchairs are easier to self-propel, easier to push and can usually be transported more easily as well. For all of these reasons, lightweight wheelchairs are the most common types of wheelchairs used today.

There are two different types of lightweight wheelchairs: transport wheelchairs and self-propelled wheelchairs. The lightweight types of transport wheelchairs are more portable and easier to push, making them perfect for occasional use to transport a family member with mobility impairment. The lightweight self-propelled wheelchairs are more maneuverable than standard wheelchairs and can often be folded or collapsed by the user for transportation purposes.

Who Should Use Lightweight Self-Propelled Wheelchairs

Just because you require the assistance of a wheelchair to get around, doesn't mean you have to be restricted in your mobility. If you have good upper body strength and stamina, lightweight self-propelled wheelchairs can make it easier for you to get around. To choose the right wheelchair for you, make sure the overall weight of the wheelchair is light enough for you to lift into a car after yourself.

At All Time Medical, we offer numerous different brands of lightweight wheelchairs at a wide range of prices. Many of our wheelchairs include a variety of options, including removable armrests, adjustable leg rests, flip back arms, adjustable seat back height, dual axles, high-performance wheels and a number of additional features. Most of our wheelchairs can be customized to suit your needs and fit your required seat width as well.